|
|
|
 |
|
Ask students, faculty, and staff what distinguishes Grinnell and you will hear their agreement that Grinnell fosters a strong sense of community. At Grinnell, individuals are respected for who they are and what they believe, and differences can be expressed and appreciated. Grinnell is a place where great ideas and global issues are considered and debated. Faculty encourages debate over significant issues in the classroom and beyond. Students leave Grinnell believing that they can and should make a difference in their careers and communities. Grinnell is informed by a pioneering spirit, a willingness to experiment, and a commitment to community. Grinnell seeks and produces good students who take an active part in the campus community and later in the world. The college has traditionally been a community with a conscience. Grinnell's pioneering past began in 1846, when New Englanders with strong social-reformer backgrounds established the college. Influenced by Grinnell's educational and social idealism, the College blends academic accomplishments with service to the world. In 1959, Grinnell established the Travel Service Scholarship, which provided funds to send graduating seniors to developing countries for a year to assist with language instruction, village work projects, or other special needs. Grinnell continues to link educational goals with society's realities. The College believes that the most valued workers will analyze problems quantitatively and articulate solutions effectively within the context of the broader world. Grinnell graduates not only join business and the professions, but they also can be found in large numbers in the Peace Corps, political campaigns, public official staffs, environmental coalitions and education. The social consciousness developed at Grinnell becomes a life-long commitment. To introduce students to differing voices and ideas, Grinnell brings to campus many ?prominent thinkers. Lecturers have included: Ambassador George E. Moose 66, former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; former President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Symposia have focused on such topics as "Culture, Politics and Change in Contemporary Cuba," "The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict in Perspective," "Women, Politics and Leadership for the 21st Century," and "Water: Conflicts and Trade-offs." Student activities and organizations include the Environmental Action Group, Students in Defense of Animals, and Amnesty International. Also on campus are Stonewall Coalition; Concerned Black Students; International Student Organization; Habitat for Humanity; Native American Alliance; Asian Students Alliance; Student Organization of Latino/as; Chalutzim; Social Justice Action Group; Society for Creative Anachronism and many more. Outdoor activities are organized by the Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program. Students decide on the group's activities: cross country skiing, backpacking, sailing, caving, whitewater canoeing and others. GORP provides free training workshops and equipment. |
Environmental Studies |
